Origin: Robbie Farah maintains Paul Gallen will still be the NSW leader if he is ruled out of the series decider

Updated
Wed 10 Jul 2013, 3:11 PM AEST

Photo

In doubt ... Paul Gallen

Getty Images: Ryan Pierse, File Photo

Hooker Robbie Farah says Paul Gallen will remain the leader of New South Wales' State of Origin quest even if the inspirational captain is ruled out of next week's series decider.

As vice-captain of the Blues, Farah stands to fill in as skipper should Gallen not line up, with the Blues prop racing the clock to make it onto the Olympic stadium in Sydney on Wednesday night.

A decision on Gallen's availability is expected to made following Friday morning's training run, but even if the worst was to eventuate, Farah says he will only consider himself a fill-in.

"He (Gallen) is our leader, he's the captain of this group," Farah said.

"Day in, day out he's going to be around the boys and he's a player that everyone looks up to.

"If I'm needed I'll put my hand up and step into that role, I'll do the job for the night, but I'll only be standing in."

It sets up the possibility of Gallen lifting the Origin shield in his Blues tracksuit, should the hosts overcome his enormous loss and win their first series in seven years.

Farah says it is only second nature to consider the prospect of leading the Blues onto the paddock, but he is confident the scenario would remain in the realm of daydreams.

"Gal's going to be fine unless someone cuts his leg off," he said.

"He's a tough competitor, I know how much it means to him to be out there with us and we hope he's going to be out there with us."

While the value of Gallen's leadership could never be underestimated, it could be argued his pure work rate is of greater importance to the Blues.

With the Blues going backwards in Origin II in Brisbane he was the only New South Wales forward to run for more than 100 metres, while his 36 tackles were also a team high.

Aaron Woods, who was on debut at Lang Park and stands to come in for Gallen should he be ruled out, contributed just five runs for 36 metres and 20 tackles in Origin II.

In the series opener which the Blues won 14-6, Gallen's 188 metres were the most of any forward on the paddock, while his 33 tackles were bettered by only Farah in the home side's pack.

The Blues enjoyed a day off on Wednesday but will return to the training paddock on Thursday.

While Gallen and fellow injury concern Greg Bird (ankle) will be required to run on Friday, a final call on whether they tackle the Maroons may be delayed until Sunday to see how their respective injuries respond to the fitness tests.